Friday, April 30, 2010

For the previous 10 games, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs have alternated between winning and losing.

That pattern held up again tonight as Rochester used a pair of five-run innings en route to a 10-3 victory in the final game of the series.

John Mayberry Jr. got the IronPigs on the board first when he doubled and scored in the top of the first inning. Starting pitcher Brian Mazone was cruising along through the first four innings before the Red Wings' Brock Peterson and Dustin Martin slugged home runs in a five-run fifth.

Andy Tracy and Cody Ransom hit back-to-back home runs in the sixth as Lehigh Valley closed to 5-3 but Rochester tacked on another five runs off of relievers Ehren Wasserman and Mike Zagurski to put the game out of reach.

Lehigh Valley will return to Coca-Cola Park for an eight-game homestand following a 3-4 road trip. Ryan Vogelsong is scheduled to pitch for the IronPigs against Donnie Veal of the Indianapolis Indians.

We've got former Liberty football coach Tim Moncman and Bethlehem Catholic baseball coach and all-around super guy Mike Grasso headling the guest list for Saturday's Morning Call "Calling All Sports" radio show. It can be heard 9-11 a.m. on AM 1470, the Fox, and even on the internet at www.fox1470.com.

In addition, we'll have Jon Schaeffer of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs setting the stage for their home stand and beat man Nick Fierro talking about the Eagles draft picks and contract maneuverings. Plus, we'll work in a trivia question or two. Call 610-432-5767 to participate.

And by the way, here are a few photos to give you an inside look at the palatial Fox Sports studio high atop Alta Drive overlooking Route 22 and the Lehigh Valley.

The star in these photos is Liberty High basketball standout Darrun Hilliard. Assistant coach Mike Bachman is in here as well as my co-host Roger Pence.

Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem today is laying off 80 people at its South Side complex, less than a year after opening it doors.

Workers are being terminated in every department but most are food services workers in the four restaurants run by the casino, said Sands President Robert DeSalvio.

The reduction brings Sands' workforce to 780, down from its current 860, and nearly 200 less than when it opened on May 22.

DeSalvio said with 89 table games being added as early as July, and a hotel scheduled to open in May 2011, he hopes many of the workers will be brought back.

"It's unfortunate that we have to do any reduction," DeSalvio said today. "But we will be hiring 400 to 500 people in the next year, and everyone impacted today will have first consideration for those jobs. Hopefully, most of them back to work very soon."

Within months after the casino opened last May with 3,000 slot machines, Sands Chief Executive Officer Sheldon Adelson said its revenues were not reaching expectations.

Sands had originally projected the casino would bring in $465 million a year in gross terminal revenue, the money left in the machine after all winners are paid. A Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board task force later moderated that estimate, saying it expected the casino to bring in $347 million in gross terminal revenue.

Based on revenue in the first 39 weeks of this fiscal year, Sands appears likely to do less than $250 million this year.

But analysts say that in its first year, in a down economy that has hurt most casinos, that is not unexpected. Sands plans to hire 400 people to begin opening tables games such as blackjack and craps, as early as July, and another 100 will be hired when the hotel opens in May 2011, DeSalvio said.

The Morning Call reports that NASD Superintendent Vic Lesky was awarded a 4.2% retroactive pay raise, which will increase his annual salary to $149,708

In the article it notes:

Lesky's salary ranks in the middle among the salaries paid to superintendents in the Lehigh Valley's 14 school districts, the board was told.

Bethlehem Area pays the highest ($172,744), and Bangor Area the lowest ($121,095), according to figures Lesky provided the board.

I’m not sure what constitutes the “Lehigh Valley”, because the Lehigh Valley Conference has 12 schools representing 8 school districts and the Diocese of Allentown and the Colonial League has 11 school districts, the Diocese, and one private school.

Bangor, the lowest according to the reported numbers, is close in size to Nazareth. In the LVC, of the 12 schools, only Central Catholic, Bethlehem Catholic, and Whitehall have a smaller student population than Nazareth.

The highest salary goes to Bethlehem, which has to manage two high schools, four middle schools, 17 elementary schools, and a pre-k (view a school directory here). By comparison Nazareth has one HS, one MS, and four elementary schools (3 k-3 and one 4-6).

The reason for Lesky’s raise was the addition of the intermediate school according to the article.

At a time when most people get no raise, unemployment hovers at 10%, and the school hasn’t balanced its budget, it seems a 4.2% raise retroactive to July is a bit much. And I don’t blame Lesky. As an individual I’d try to get the best pay I could without losing my job, but I do question our Board for making this decision and have to wonder what information they studied that made them believe this salary was warranted for management of this size district.

FROM ROSS NUNAMAKER

Here is the Morning Call Article:

By Joanna Poncavage

SPECIAL TO THE MORNING CALL

April 30, 2010E-mail Print Share Text Size

The Nazareth Area School Board has voted to raise Superintendent Victor Lesky's annual salary by 4.2 percent to $149,708, retroactive to July 1.

''During the time that that increase accounts for, we reconfigured our entire school district. We added the intermediate school and that was a challenge for all of us,'' school board Vice President Maurice C. Heller said after the meeting Monday when asked why Lesky received a raise.

Lesky's salary ranks in the middle among the salaries paid to superintendents in the Lehigh Valley's 14 school districts, the board was told.

Bethlehem Area pays the highest ($172,744), and Bangor Area the lowest ($121,095), according to figures Lesky provided the board.

In December, Nazareth teachers approved a four-year contract with salary raises of 3.75 percent each year.

The board signed off on a new playground at Nazareth Area Intermediate School, which should be finished by August.

Parents had complained that the school, which began serving sixth- and seventh-graders in the fall, lacked a play area with equipment.

The board directed D'Huy Engineering of Bethlehem to proceed with the design and bidding for the project at a cost of $106,660. Site work, including grading, drainage and mulch, will be funded through the district's capital reserve fund.

Additional money for playground equipment includes $10,000 from the intermediate school's PTO; $10,000 from the activity fund raised by the school's students while in lower grades, and $22,000 from an anonymous donor.

Lesky said the donor told him, ''When I drive past and see that playground there, that will be my thank-you.''

Two Fourth Street residents told the board there are still problems with traffic through the Fourth Street gate at the intermediate school.

Becky Bartlett said her child was almost hit by a car twice. There is no sign to discourage traffic, and parents are still using the gate as a main entrance, she said.

Lesky said area residents would be notified by mail if the gate situation were to be discussed in a buildings and grounds committee meeting.

In other business:

Nazareth boys basketball and wrestling team members were presented awards for their championship seasons in the Lehigh Valley Interscholastic Athletic Conference.

Joseph R. Kaminski, a junior, received the Dwight D. Eisenhower Leadership Award of the West Point Society of the Lehigh Valley.

It was reported that Jim Waters of Nazareth Area Meals on Wheels presented a certificate of gratitude to Nazareth Intermediate School for a contribution. The school collected $700 through the school's Friday ''dress-down'' days. The contribution paid for 660 meals for 75 seniors in the Nazareth area.

Next Friday, the district will hold a Diversity Fair at 6:30 p.m. at Nazareth Area Middle School at the end of its Diversity Week. Students will present various activities highlighting ethnic and cultural practices.

Tug McGraw Foundation Brain Tumor Awareness Night. National Anthem: Sung by country singer Catherine Raney, cousin of the late Tug McGraw…First Ball: patients Jenny McDevitt and Jimmy McKeon…First and Third Base Gates: Information on the Tug McGraw Foundation…Discounted Tug McGraw jerseys are on sale at the Mitchell & Ness Alley Store, with a portion of the proceeds to go to the Tug McGraw Foundation. State Farm Community Service Good Neighbor Award, presented to Anne Mahlum, founder and president of Back on My Feet. Doc’s Box: Roy Halladay launches this new charitable ticket program. Halladay will host a group of at-risk, runaway and homeless children and teens from Youth Emergency Service (YES), who will have the opportunity to watch batting practice on the field and meet Halladay. The children will then be treated to a private suite to enjoy the game and dinner. This is the first of more than 50 visits scheduled through various Phillies player programs. For more information, please visit www.phillies.com/community. · Phillies, ARAMARK and Mitchell & Ness Unveil Newly-Renovated Store in Ashburn Alley: Fans will enjoy the newly-renovated Mitchell & Ness Alley Store, as they shop for signature throwback flannel jerseys from MLB’s Cooperstown Authentic Collection, as well as a line of fashion apparel based on nostalgic Phillies logos, old-time pennants and banners.

Philadelphia Phillies: 2010 Yearbook. Hot off the presses! Now on sale at the Majestic Clubhouse Store and NewsStands throughout Citizens Bank Park. “Need Help?” Text Service: Plug this number into your cell phone! If there is a medical, security or cleaning emergency during home games at Citizens Bank Park, fans can text the word "PHILLIES" [space], with issue and location to 69050. The Phillies will automatically respond with a text with how they will respond. What’s New at Citizens Bank Park. For a full listing, please visit http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/news/press_releases/press_release.jsp?ymd=20100322&content_id=8868676&vkey=pr_phi&fext=.jsp&c_id=phi.

Modell’s Sporting Goods Run the Bases. Children 14 and under are invited to run the bases following the game. Firestone All-Star Balloting begins at Citizens Bank Park. The Phanatic will cast the first ballot. Book signing: Todd Zolecki, Phillies beat writer for MLB.com, will sign copies of his new book, "The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly: Philadelphia Phillies", from 2:00-3:00 p.m. on the Main Concourse, behind Section 111, adjacent to the NewsStand. National Anthem: Sung by Rho Sigma Chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia from West Chester University. Color Guard: Coatesville Air Force JROTC Honor Guard. Left Field Gate: Topps Attax (every weekend in May, prior to the game). Kids of all ages can try out this new gaming experience.

Starting Nine: Nine youngsters will be chosen at random to accompany the players onto the field for the National Anthem. National Anthem: Sung by Audubon High School Chorus. God Bless America: Sung by cast members from The Story of My Life. Facepainters: First Base Plaza. 7th Inning: Lady PhaPha in the house! The Phanatic returns with a Lady GaGa impression. Baseball Insiders Show on 1490 AM WBCB, live at McFadden’s Restaurant, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Teva Respiratory Asthma Awareness Night with Phillies Cap for all fans. Event held in honor of Asthma Awareness Month. Free asthma screenings at the entrance gates. More>> www.phillies.com/promotions. First ball: James Jackson, who has had asthma since he was a young child and has been active in his community to help raise asthma awareness. Special Welcome: Best Buddies, St. Kevins, Springfield AA, Truman High School, and Wissahickon Middle School. 7th Inning: Phanatic dances with players from Philadelphia Independence Women’s Professional Soccer team. Player Ticket Program: Ibañez Team Resurgence will host children from Project H.O.M.E. For more information, please visit www.phillies.com/community.

Phillies Explorer’s Night. High school students who took part in the Phillies career educational program, in partnership with the Cradle of Liberty, will be honored prior to the game. Washington Township High School Night. First Ball: Sean Woodward and Michelle Guetens, Washington Township Teachers of the Year. National Anthem: Sung by Washington Township High School Choir. Marple Township Little League Night and McDonald’s Share Night. Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau Night. First Ball: Tim and Pat Muldoon, sons of retiring PCVB president Tom Muldoon. Homers for Hearts Press Conference benefiting the American Heart Association held earlier in the day. Player Ticket Programs: JRoll’s Aces will host students from Grover Washington Middle School (6th Grade) and the Victorino Foundation will host children from the Boys & Girls Club-Nicetown. For more information, please visit www.phillies.com/community.

10th Annual Teacher Appreciation Night. More than 6,000 teachers and their families will be in attendance. The evening is a partnership with the Newspapers in Education department of The Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News and honors great educators in the region. Teacher All-Stars will be honored on the field. More than 1,500 teacher nominations were received for this honor, with more than 15,000 teacher nominations received over the 10 years of this program. Nearly 60 past winners will celebrate the day with a special pre-game Phillies Tent Party Reunion. For information on this year’s honorees, please visit http://philadelphia.phillies.mlb.com/phi/community/teacher_allstars.jsp. Raul Ibanez’ former 5th grade teacher, Susan Nilsson, will be recognized pre-game as this year’s Phillies Favorite Teacher. A 12-page supplement honoring the 2010 Teacher All-Stars will be given to all fans. North Penn School District Night and Central Bucks High School Night. Phillies: An Extraordinary Tradition, which celebrates over 128 years of Phillies baseball, is on sale beginning today at the Majestic Clubhouse Store. Limited copies available of the commemorative book that is already receiving rave reviews. For more information, please visit https://secure.mlb.com/phi/fan_forum/y2010/coffeetable_book_form.jsp. National Anthem: Sung by Muhlenberg High School Camerata. Color Guard: Salem County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard. Player Ticket Program: Romero’s Rookies will host children from Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha Foster Care. For more information, please visit www.phillies.com/community.

I like to think that's a pretty good mix of games. I've seen 19 different teams in person (9 each in the LVC and Colonial League, plus Pleasant Valley in the MVC) and no one more than twice. Sorry I can't see all teams, even the ones that haven't won a league game, but with space limitations we have to pick the games that offer the most meaning in terms of the league races and unforunately for them, the Dieruffs, Bangors etc. are not in any sort of league race.

And here are our The Morning Call players of the week we've had so far this season:

Again, I think that's a pretty good mix of current high school players --2 Colonial League, 2 LVC -- and four college players from four different area high schools.

I put this all out there as a matter of record.

Oh, I am still going to get the old "You always cover that team and never say anything good about our team" baloney. It would not be a Lehigh Valley girls softball season without that kind of stupidity coming from some corners. But if you really pay attention and take note of the above list -- you'll know better.

Now, as we move into May, it's quite likely we'll lose some of that balance and start covering more games of the teams on the rise, the teams playing the most meaningful games.

And there are some great ones to come in the next two weeks as we storm toward the regular season finish line.

How do the league races shape up:

In the Lehigh Valley Conference where most teams have five league games left, several frontrunners have emerged.

In the West Division, Emmaus is up by two games on Allen and should go on to win the division.

In the North Division, Nazareth has a two-game lead on Northampton and is up three games on both Parkland and Whitehall. Even though the Blue Eagles' pitching situation is somewhat shaky, they should win this division, although a win over Liberty on Monday would be a big help.

In the East Division, Liberty has only a two-game lead on both hard-charging Becahi and Easton, but should hold on for the division title.

In the race for the wild card, the three top contenders are Becahi, Easton and Northampton. The Konkrete Kids have a brutal schedule with five very tough games left.

Before they get back into division play, Easton has to play Dieruff, Northampton and Nazareth, while Becahi has to play Dieruff and Emmaus. Edge to Becahi. I see the wild-care race coming down to the last game of the year -- Becahi at Easton -- on May 13.

In the Colonial League five teams are battling for four spots.

Remember, the CL takes the two division winners and the next two best records. Three teams from the same division can make it.

And right now, that's a great possiblity with Southern Lehigh (9-2), Saucon (9-2) and Palisades (8-3) all looking good in the South.

Barring a collapse, Pen Argyl (9-2) will be the only North Division rep.

Northern Lehigh (7-4) is the only team with a chance of cracking the Final Four and the Bulldogs do have a win over Palisades as a tiebreaker edge, which could come in handy.

The North Division is weaker than the South, but Catty, Northwestern and Palmerton are all dangerous teams and could derail Northern Lehigh's bid to get into the top four as the Bulldogs go through the division for a second time.

In addition to the league races, teams will be looking to nail down District 11 tournament berths.

On the bubble in the LVC - Allen, Northampton, Whitehall, Parkland and Freedom.

On the bubble in the Colonial - Wilson, Notre Dame, Northwestern and Catty who all need to finish strong in the next two weeks to qualify.

Happy Birthday to my Grandfather Tom Weaver on Thursday!!! He is the Best!!!!

This E-Mail is Dedicated to Faithe Dudash who is finishing her Dorm Counseling career today at HGA. She is going to work in the Correction Department in a prison. She will be very missed by the HGA Staff. If anyone in Johnstown reading this e-mail and would like to work as the Female Dorm Counselor you contact Darlene Seals at dseals@state.pa.us it's a great opportunity to work with kids if you are a people person.

This is also dedicated to my Attendent DIANA Back who saved my dog from getting hit by a car Wednesday. Actually a little boy did but Diana went and chased him for blocks to get him for me! Monday and Tuesday he had his what have become every month 9-10 seizures and then Wednesday was pacing around the house for 24 straight hours. It is the most annoying thing you can ever have to listen to because the DOG Just keep BARKING AND BARKING For 24 hours. I Was awake 3 nights in a row because of the dog. You really have to love animals to be able to put up with him. I Was tryingto hold his collar and keep him in my room so my mom could atleast sleep. That the kind of person I am, I care about other people before myself I Rather have my mom sleep during all this than me. Same way when I Was at School I Cared about other people before I Did for me. I am the most friendliest person you can meet. It's a real shame that my dog has to go through every stinkingmonth. Doctors don't even know why. I Think it everything he eats, he eats about everything he sees, even wash rags.

Monday we needed to have the HEAT on and Now this weekend we need the AIR Conditor on. Funny.............

WACKY Weather!! Do you agree?

I Went to Softball Thursday instead of Baseball!!!

The Softball players pleaded to me on Facebook that they never get support from me because I'm always with the Boys.

That all Changed Thursday when I Went to Softball!!

They been struggling lately. They even lost to Allen on Wednesday which was probably the biggest win in Allen's History.

They needed me there at their game, man did it work too, they went on a hitting marathon and scored 15 runs to beat Central!!!

The Girls won't want me to go to Boys Games ever again!!!!

I Will be at the Softball Monday too when they play Liberty!! I Can't wait to see Keith Groller there on Monday!!!

Go Nazareth Girls Soccer tonight at Parkland!!!!!!!!

68 teams in the NCAA Tournament next year!!!!

BIG Mets-Phillies series this weekend!

I Hope the Phillies win all 3 games!!!

I Hope the Flyers beat Boston and the Penguins beat Montreal!!

GO FLYERS AND PENGUINS!!!

MCDONALDS Wants to ban toys. Can you believe that? Takes away the fun of being a little kid.

Last Day of April!

Last E-Mail of April!

April Showers bring May Flowers!!

Its Another Friday!

How are you?

How your week?

What are you doing all weekend?

Anything fun?

I am great!

The Dog FINALLY ALL BETTER!!

That so Annoying hearing a DOG Bark 12-24 hours.

Would you be able to stand it?

NEWS ON JOBS SOON!

Hopefully something happens soon!

I Really want to be around people again!

Wednesday at 11am watched the PA HOUSE And at 3:30pm Announced Phillies Baseball on Comcast and at 4:30pm and 7pm Announced BIG TEN Softball Doubleheader on the Big Ten Network and listened to JARRET BROWN ON WGPA 1100 From 6pm to 8:30pm!

Thursday at 11am Did my Radio Show and at 4:15pm went to the Central at Nazareth SOFTBALL Game and at 6:30pm watched the RCN SPORTS Talk on RCN4 And at 7:30pm watched the JOLLY JOE TIMMER SHOW ON RCN4 And at 10:20pm Did the SPORTS on CW57.

PA HOUSE IS OFF UNTIL MONDAY!

PA HOUSE Will resume at 1pm Monday!!!

PROGRAM NOTE:

KEITH GROLLER ON 1470AM SATURDAY 9AM-11AM!

CHECK KEITH GROLLER OUT SATURDAY ON 1470AM!

BIG FISHING TOURNAMENT ON SATURDAY IN STOCKERTOWN IF YOU LIKE FISHING!

What a week for me. A Sunday night in Emerald for the Northern Lehigh boys basketball banquet and a Wednesday trip to Palmerton for softball.

It had been so cold early this week, that I wondered if I'd see snow flurries in Palmerton. At the very least, I expected an icy reception.

Let's just say that I have generally been as popular in both of those communities as President Obama is on Fox News or any Republican is on MSNBC. Or for better perspective, I have been as welcome in those school districts as any Cowboys fan would be at the Linc for a big Eagles-Dallas game.

Those schools don't think they get enough coverage and they blame me. It's that simple.

But you know what, I enjoyed my time with the Northern Lehigh basketball fans on Sunday night and found them to be pretty good folks who care about their kids, and care about their community.

And, I actually enjoyed Palmerton on Wednesday, once I got there. I took the turnpike to the Mahoning Valley interchange, and from there, I thought I would try a shortcut back down to Palmerton. It didn't work, although I got to see what Bowmanstown is all about. If I had more time I would have stopped in at the Bowmanstown Diner.

Once at the game, I really liked the place. I have been at Palmerton for a basketball game (ironically, also against Palisades) but it had been about 15 years since I have been at a home Palmerton softball game.

That's because for much of those 15 years, the Bombers haven't been that competitive. Becky Stroup was the pitcher and I think Nicole Levandusky was the catcher the last time I saw a game up there in the mid-to-late1990s.

However, the Blue Bombers -- 2-78 over the last four years -- have already won six games this season. Barring a sudden downturn, they're going to win at least 10 games this year and return to districts for the first time since 2002.

And with most of the kids returning, they're going to win even more next year, and in 2012.

But beyond that, I just liked the place.

I like that 7th Street complex with the refreshment stand and that fieldhouse behind home plate.

I like that not only do they sell hot dogs at the stand;, they also sell homemade baked goods.

I like that they have ample bleachers and like the mountainside view.

I don't think I'd like to be driving on nearby Delaware Avenue and have a foul ball rattle off my car (although someone told me that it's never happened).

But other than that, I just thought the place was pretty neat.

And as I drove out of town and found my way back to Rotue 248, I said to myself -- this is a nice place with well-kept homes and neighborhoods and just about everything you need -- post office, hospital, park, banks, chruches, grocery store etc. -- all close by. Hey, and my buddy Ed Hedes lives there, too, just beyond the center-field fence at the 7th Street field. What more could you want?

Maybe the fact that it was about 6:45 and the sun was shining bright made the place shine a little more than usual. But I've always wondered what it would be like to live in a small, tight-knit town. I am sure there are a lot of pluses to it. I've heard some people tell me Palmerton isn't what it used to be, but what town is? I'm sure time hasn't stood still there and there are issues there like there are everywhere else.

But I just got a good feel from the place.

My wife has considerable family that lives in the Lehighton-Palmerton area and I even called her to tell her I impressed I was.

Our special guest will be Fmr. Eagles Linebacker Jeremiah Trotter to break down the NFL draft and talk about the Birds' offseason. Call in, email us or post a comment/question for Trotter on our page & tune in to win a $100 gift card!

Sports fans can email us questions/opinions at any time at rcnsportstalk@rcn.com

Our panelists will respond to viewers comments live on our next show.

Thanks for any mention you can give us.

Please call me at 610-476-0895 if I can provide you with any addition information

Happy Birthday to my Grandfather Tom Weaver on Thursday!!! He is the Best!!!!

This E-Mail is Dedicated to Faithe Dudash who is finishing her Dorm Counseling career today at HGA. She is going to work in the Correction Department in a prison. She will be very missed by the HGA Staff. If anyone in Johnstown reading this e-mail and would like to work as the Female Dorm Counselor you contact Darlene Seals at dseals@state.pa.us it's a great opportunity to work with kids if you are a people person.

This is also dedicated to my Attendent DIANA Back who saved my dog from getting hit by a car Wednesday. Actually a little boy did but Diana went and chased him for blocks to get him for me! Monday and Tuesday he had his what have become every month 9-10 seizures and then Wednesday was pacing around the house for 24 straight hours. It is the most annoying thing you can ever have to listen to because the DOG Just keep BARKING AND BARKING For 24 hours. I Was awake 3 nights in a row because of the dog. You really have to love animals to be able to put up with him. I Was tryingto hold his collar and keep him in my room so my mom could atleast sleep. That the kind of person I am, I care about other people before myself I Rather have my mom sleep during all this than me. Same way when I Was at School I Cared about other people before I Did for me. I am the most friendliest person you can meet. It's a real shame that my dog has to go through every stinkingmonth. Doctors don't even know why. I Think it everything he eats, he eats about everything he sees, even wash rags.

Monday we needed to have the HEAT on and Now this weekend we need the AIR Conditor on. Funny.............

WACKY Weather!! Do you agree?

I Went to Softball Thursday instead of Baseball!!!

The Softball players pleaded to me on Facebook that they never get support from me because I'm always with the Boys.

That all Changed Thursday when I Went to Softball!!

They been struggling lately. They even lost to Allen on Wednesday which was probably the biggest win in Allen's History.

They needed me there at their game, man did it work too, they went on a hitting marathon and scored 15 runs to beat Central!!!

The Girls won't want me to go to Boys Games ever again!!!!

I Will be at the Softball Monday too when they play Liberty!! I Can't wait to see Keith Groller there on Monday!!!

Go Nazareth Girls Soccer tonight at Parkland!!!!!!!!

68 teams in the NCAA Tournament next year!!!!

BIG Mets-Phillies series this weekend!

I Hope the Phillies win all 3 games!!!

I Hope the Flyers beat Boston and the Penguins beat Montreal!!

GO FLYERS AND PENGUINS!!!

MCDONALDS Wants to ban toys. Can you believe that? Takes away the fun of being a little kid.

Last Day of April!

Last E-Mail of April!

April Showers bring May Flowers!!

Its Another Friday!

How are you?

How your week?

What are you doing all weekend?

Anything fun?

I am great!

The Dog FINALLY ALL BETTER!!

That so Annoying hearing a DOG Bark 12-24 hours.

Would you be able to stand it?

NEWS ON JOBS SOON!

Hopefully something happens soon!

I Really want to be around people again!

Wednesday at 11am watched the PA HOUSE And at 3:30pm Announced Phillies Baseball on Comcast and at 4:30pm and 7pm Announced BIG TEN Softball Doubleheader on the Big Ten Network and listened to JARRET BROWN ON WGPA 1100 From 6pm to 8:30pm!

Thursday at 11am Did my Radio Show and at 4:15pm went to the Central at Nazareth SOFTBALL Game and at 6:30pm watched the RCN SPORTS Talk on RCN4 And at 7:30pm watched the JOLLY JOE TIMMER SHOW ON RCN4 And at 10:20pm Did the SPORTS on CW57.

PA HOUSE IS OFF UNTIL MONDAY!

PA HOUSE Will resume at 1pm Monday!!!

PROGRAM NOTE:

KEITH GROLLER ON 1470AM SATURDAY 9AM-11AM!

CHECK KEITH GROLLER OUT SATURDAY ON 1470AM!

BIG FISHING TOURNAMENT ON SATURDAY IN STOCKERTOWN IF YOU LIKE FISHING!

ROCHESTER, N.Y.For the IronPigs, Wednesday was yet another case of close but no cigar.

Lehigh Valley dropped its International League-leading seventh one-run decision of the season when Danny Valencia's eighth-inning double snapped a 4-4 deadlock and gave Rochester a 5-4 win at Frontier Field.

Melvin Dorta knocked in Andy Tracy in the top of the eighth to lift Lehigh Valley (8-11) into a 4-4 deadlock. But Jason Repko greeted reliever Jason Anderson (0-3) with a double in the botton of the inning, and three batters later Valencia's doubled to left to chase in Repko with the go-ahead run.

Mike Zagurski later kept the IronPigs within a run by striking out Erik Lis and Matt Macri with the bases loaded, but Rob Delaney, who had blowned the save in the top of the eighth, set the IronPigs down in order in the ninth.

Earlier Lehigh Valley took a 2-0 first-inning lead when Chris Duffy scored on a steal and overthrow, and Cody Ransom's RBI single. Rochester tied the game in the bottom of the second and took a 3-2 led in the fourth against Joe Savery, who allowed seven hits and three runs with four walks in five innings.

The IronPigs tied the game in the sixth on a triple by Dewayne Wise, who had three hits and was a home run short of the cycle, and Dorta's sacrifice fly, but Rochester took a one-run lead in the bottom of the inning against Brandon Duckworth.

The Morning Call’s calendar includes a listing for the Nazareth Woman’s Club’s 27th annual Pretzel Day fundraiser.

Members will hand out snack-size bags of pretzels in exchange for voluntary donations 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Ressler's Market, 420 S. Main St., Nazareth; 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. at Nazareth Diner, 581 S. Broad St.; and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Valley View Diner, Route 191, Lower Nazareth Township. Proceeds benefit Nazareth Area Food Bank and the Nazareth YMCA After School Program for children of working parents.

Did you see Parkland's Owen Thomas was found dead Monday in his room at UPENN?

That was sad.

Owens was a great person and a great athlete.

It's OFFICAL.

Since Keith Groller broked the story in the Morning Call on Tuesday I Think I Can say it on here..

Dick Tracey have retired from RCN Cable.

I Will miss Announcing games with Dick.

I Wish him the very best in his Retirement!

Just can't wait for jobs to come up!

I am a people person and want out there!!!!!!!!!!

Dave Brown is the new Liberty High School Football Coach!

They come to Nazareth next year!

What I Don't get is we have to go to Easton again for the 3rd year in a row for Football. They must not like Nazareth.

By then I Might be a Lehigh Valley Conference Employee if Jim and Fred and their partners figure things out!!!

How are you?

How your week?

I am pretty good!

Keep my Dog in your thoughts.

He having his monthly 9 seizures.

Doctors don't even know why he has them.

The internet says if Dogs hear people yelling it sometimes make their brains nuts.

I Don't know how much truth there is to that.

I Hope he feels better soon!

Congrats to the Nazareth Boys Basketball team and Wrestling Teams as they were honored at the NAZARETH'S School Board Meeting Monday night!

I Wish Nazareth would stream their School Board Meetings like Easton does on their website!

The Sun is finally back!

It's great to see the SUN!

Rain make you feel miserable.

PA HOUSE BEEN BUSY!

They been passing a lot of things this week!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO RICH GRUCELA!

Tuesday was his Birthday!!!!!!!

I Have the morning off Today!

No Radio Show today (Wednesday) due to IRONPIGS Baseball at 11am at Rochester!

PROGRAM NOTE:

RCN SPORTS TALK SHOW ON RCN4

Thursday at 6 pm on RCN TV-4.

Our special guest will be Fmr. Eagles Linebacker Jeremiah Trotter to break down the NFL draft and talk about the Birds' offseason. Call in, email us or post a comment/question for Trotter on our page & tune in to win a $100 gift card! Sports fans can email us questions/opinions at any time at rcnsportstalk@rcn.com

I've spent several days dealing with all kinds of reaction to the Dieruff boys basketball hiring.

And to those connected with that program, you understand the passion and concerns of all involved, and in the end, you simply have to hope that the right thing was done.

But then in the middle of that, you get a jolt like learning that a kid who seemingly had it all -- great football player, getting a great education at one of the best institutions in the world, with seemingly everything in the palm of his hand -- decides to ends his life.

It's heartbreaking. Crushing. Simply devastating to all of us no matter how well we know the young man involved. Suddenly, coaching hires, no matter how controversial, don't seem as important.

It hurts because this just shouldn't be. We should not lose a young man this way.

Life is not supposed to work this way.

But with the passing on Monday of former Parkland and current University of Pennsylvania standout Owen Thomas we are all reminded that what we think we see, and know, is not always reality or the truth.

No matter what we think, we can't really get inside the head of someone else and know what they are thinking, feeling, and which demons they are struggling with.

I've spent time with football coach Jim Tkach in recent years and tried to support his work for the Bo Tkach Memorial Foundation as much as possible. Jim has dedicated his life to helping others and trying to stop this extraordinary pain and sense of loss from happening to others such as he and his family experienced a few years ago.

Jim's son, Bo, also took his own life and just like Owen Thomas, he, too, was a great athlete, great student with what appeared to be a fantastic, productive life ahead of him.

But inside, he was hurting, fighting an illness that took hold of him to the point of where no one else could reach him.

I don't know the particulars of Owen's life. All I knew of him as a reporter was that he was an outstanding football player, a leader on Parkland's great teams of recent history, and a person who I never heard a negative word about.

Over the years, you'll hear phrases like "head case" or "space cadet" or "he's from another planet" about certain kids. You don't write about them, but you hear them.

Those phrases did not apply to Owen Thomas, who was raised the right way and brought up to be a good athlete, good student, and a good person.

No one has all of the answers as to why this kind of stuff happens. All I know is that when a kid is dealing with an injury, or an illness, or a disease, they are usually detectable. And because they are detectable, a battle plan can be formed and treatment can be administered.

With mental illness, the problem often gets undetected and flies under the radar, until it's too late. I guess we all just need to work harder at finding the warning signs.

For now, all we can do is send our sympathies to the Thomas family, and mourn the loss of a great young man.

And, in tribute, we can all try to be just a little more aware, a little more sensitive to what our dearest friends and family members may be going through emotionally, and not always be fooled by outward appearances.

Hello all,We have the date for the Third Annual Drive Against ALS golf tournament to benefit our friend Larry O'Rourke and the fight against ALS. The tournament is Sunday, July 18 at Bethlehem Municipal Golf Course. It will be the same setup as last year's event. The tournament will be a shotgun start at 1 p.m. and will be followed by a picnic at the course. If you don't golf, you can still come to the picnic. We are looking for sponsors! Our goal is to get at least 36 hole sponsors and we have other sponsorship opportunities. We are finalizing the flier for the tournament and are currently working on getting a website up and running. I will post the flier up on the site again like I did last year. I will also let you all know when the website is up!

If you have any questions or want to help out, contact me at craig@driveagainstals.com

Thanks for all of the support!Craig Kackenmeister From the Morning Call

Lehigh Valley officials announced a new name for the region's tourism agency today: "Discover Lehigh Valley."

Michael Stershic, head of the agency formerly known as the Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the old name sounded overly "bureaucratic."

The new name is meant to convey "that there is more to (the) Lehigh Valley than meets the eye," he said.

Many other regions use the term "visit" to promote their tourism efforts -- such as "Visit Pittsburgh." But Stershic said Discover Lehigh Valley sounds more dynamic and could encourage tourists to do more here.

"Visits end," he said. "The discovery process does not end."

The branding campaign will rely heavily on the word-of-mouth power of such social media platforms as Facebook and Twitter, because the agency lacks the budget for the expensive magazine advertising it has used in the past.

Discover Lehigh Valley's revenue is down 13 percent so far this year due to a drop in hotel taxes.

To help the social media campaign, it is offering $200 gift cards to three people who submit stories of their own local discoveries. Local celebrities -- including Marty Nothstein, who won an Olympic gold medal in cycling and graduated from Emmaus High School -- will also share their accounts, Stershic said.

The Lehigh Valley economy depends on tourism, which employs 26,000 people and has been a recent job generator.

There are 5,299 hotel rooms in Lehigh and Northampton counties, Stershic said. That does not include 108 rooms under construction on Route 100 and an additional 300 rooms at the hotel being built at the Bethlehem casino.

There were 1,060,000 overnight stays in 2009, down from 1,119,000 in 2008, Stershic said. The drop was more attributable to rainy summer weather than the economy, he said.

I went with the kids last year and we had a blast watching these cars scream down the hill. I believe the winner told me his gps indicated he hit 30+mph, and yes there were some crashes for those who enjoy that aspect of racing.

The race is on West Prospect between Main and Wood Streets. Keep in mind the intersection of Prospect and Green will be closed.

Some changes are happening at RCN 4 sports television and the Lehigh Valley is losing one of its icons with the retirement of Dick Tracy from the broadcast booth.

Tracy has been working games at the cable company, originally known as Twin County, since the 1960s and sunk his teeth into TV after retiring as Whitehall basketball coach following the 1982-83 season.

''We have some old black-and-white video of him working games with Johnny Daday and Johnny Howard in the '60s,'' said Rick Geho, RCN's video production manager. ''He's a Lehigh Valley sports legend, there's no question about it, and we appreciate all he has done for us and we'll miss him.

''We hope he'll still be popping in from time to time and won't make himself a stranger from our facility.''

Tracy was best known as the basketball coach at Whitehall who led the Zephyrs to the 1982 PIAA 3A title.

However, Tracy knows his stuff regardless of the sport. He also had a vast background in both baseball and football.

But what made him a successful analyst was also what made him a successful coach -- preparation.

No one worked harder at knowing the teams, the kids, the coaches, and their tendencies better than Tracy.

Tracy has had some health issues in recent years and has been taking care of his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, wife Mary, who has been ailing.

''He's gone through some tough times, but he also never lost his enthusiasm for high school sports and the kids,'' Geho said. ''He knew everybody. He was like a little boy when it came to high school sports. He looked forward to the games.''

Tracy is also a well-known Yankees baseball and Notre Dame football fan, which was the source of considerable razzing over the years.

However, at least with the Yankees, Tracy often got the last laugh.

To me, a future Chris Michael ''Sports Talk'' show should be turned into a ''Tracy tribute show.''

Geho agreed, but said: ''The only person who would stop that from happening would be Dick himself because he never liked to talk about himself very much. He really doesn't want attention. It was always about the kids and the games.''

As for other changes at RCN, Geho couldn't comment, saying only that ''any time there is a change in management there's bound to be some restructuring.''

Geho would not confirm it, but sources indicate that Dennis Laub and Tony Cocca will no longer be game analysts, although Laub has been offered the chance to continue as an anchor on RCN's Friday night high school football call-in show.

Because I am at games on the same night, I didn't get to hear Laub or Cocca often, but both are likeable guys with great personalities. If either wants to get back into TV, I hope they'll get a chance.

Did you notice? An outstanding feature by ESPN's Rick Reilly on Denver Nuggets coach George Karl on Sunday night's ''SportsCenter.'' Karl is battling throat and neck cancer and it's heartbreaking to see what he's going through. Reilly sat with Karl as he watched his team's playoff game with Utah and it was interesting to see that Karl, just like a typical fan, can't stand to watch sometimes. Â I used to think that a graphic telling who's leading an NBA playoff series was unnecessary. But I have to admit that when I tuned in the Lakers-Thunder game briefly on Saturday night, I didn't know where the series stood. Now I know it's tied 2-2. Â The move to primetime for the NFL Draft was a big ratings success. First-round coverage drew a combined viewership of 23.3 million on ESPN and the NFL Network, an increase of 43 percent from the 15.7 million who watched in 2009 when the first round began at 4 p.m. on a Saturday. Overall, the three-day draft attracted 45.4 million viewers, up 16 percent from last year's record of 39 million. In the past decade, draft viewership has nearly doubled from 23.5 million in 2001 to 45.4 million in 2010. Â The difference of sports priorities between New York and Philly were on display again on Sunday night. In Philly, the late-night sports talk shows on NBC10 and CBS3 led with a recap of the Eagles' draft. On Mike Francesa's WNBC ''Mike'd Up'' show, it was all about the Mets and Yanks. He didn't get to the Jets and Giants until 20 minutes had passed. Â NASCAR's Sprint Cup race at Talladega on Sunday drew a 9 percent ratings increase for FOX. That's the largest increase of the season for any NASCAR race and the third in a row to show a ratings rise from the previous year. What the sport still needs is a rivalry and one seems to be brewing between Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon, both members of the Hendrick Motorsports team and the two dominant drivers of this era.